What the hell is going on?

With the Boston Marathon this week (today) I have seen several reports on the news about Water Intoxication (hyponatremic encephalopathy) and that you need to make sure you don't drink too much water.

I understand that water-toxicity exists, but considering the state of our countrymen/women that's like wanring people not too eat too many carrots because of Vitimin C intoxication, or not too wear your seatbelt because in some situations a seat belt can kill you . Doesn't apply to most of the population and most likely to "convince" the folks it does not apply to at all.

I find myself shaking my head at what I consider to be irresponsible reporting. You just know that the people most likely to stop drinking water are the McDonald's eating folks siting in front of the TV withthe a/c on and a bowl of chips and a case of Bud Lite who exercise rarely and moderately at best.

Articles out this week:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/14/health/14water.html

http://www.washtimes.com/sports/2003...4721-5381r.htm

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...sourceCode=RSS

It always amuses me when people bring this up, and its not in the context of endurance sports (cycling, marathons, etc). In those endurance situations, you sweat out too much salt, so gatorade is actually needed.
But for most people, who are exercising for 30-60 mins at a time, all you need is plain tap water.

The only non-sport related water toxicity death I've heard about was a kid at Cal. State Univ. - Chico, who was forced to drink 3-4 gallons of water as a fraternity hazing 'game'. He drank it in like, 45-60 mins, and died as a result.
I think the biggest problem is diluting the potassium in your bloodstream, which is necessary for proper heartbeat/rate. Dilute it down too far, and the heart will stop. Something like that...I wasn't a biology major
I know when you dilute sodium too much, your muscles, especially the legs, will cramp up and almost be imobilized.

It makes me very frustrated to read things like that.